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T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S C O N V E N I E N T.

We offer seven convenient locations, Board Certified Physicians, and a wide range of healthcare services for children two years-of-age and older, adolescents and adults.

Auburndale Family Health Center 2028 Highway 92 West (863) 965-9327

If you are looking for family health care that’s professional, friendly and convenient,

Bartow Family Health Center 1625 N. Carpenter Ave. (863) 533-1448

Your local Family Health Center offers a wide range of healthcare services for

Winter Haven Hospital invites you to visit one of our seven conveniently located Family Health Centers. children two years-of-age and older, adolescents and adults — including school physicals, immunizations, basic x-rays and laboratory tests, minor surgery and

Dundee Family Health Center 5999 Dundee Rd., Suite 750 (863) 292-4656 Haines City Family Health Center 36245 Highway 27 (863) 421-9801

routine gynecological exams.

When it’s your family’s health, you want the best doctors, the best nurses and next-door convenience. Our Family Health Center offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.

Lake Wales Family Health Center 201 State Road 60 West (863) 679-9644 Southeast Winter Haven Family Health Center 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 324-4725 Winter Haven Family Health Center 100 Avenue I Northeast (863) 292-4077 AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line. 800-416-6705.

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CONTENTS June 2013 | Volume 9 Issue 4 | focuspolkcounty.com

FAST TRACK

Your Career 06-09 Local

& Get Ahead!

Prepare for a career as a: • HVAC-R Technician • EMT/Paramedic • Medical Assistant • Medical Insurance Coding Specialist • X-Ray Technician

EMT NIGHT CLASSES AVAILABLE

Call Today (863) 646-1400

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Your Life. Powered By Learning.

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For consumer information visit www.fortis.edu 4

june 2013 focuspolkcounty.com

May was definitely a time to celebrate the arts in Polk County and included the celebration of the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition in Winter Haven’s Central Park. Also check out our review of the Lakeland Food Truck Rallies, a monthly event you sure won’t want to miss!

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Feature: Lakeland Grace Academy

After serving in the military and in law enforcement, Greg Del Valle felt God tugging on his heart, and—along with his wife, Essie—decided to reach out full-time to help troubled teenage girls. Today, the Del Valle’s therapeutic boarding school, Lakeland Grace Academy, provides educational opportunities, pastoral counseling, and a wide variety of activities for at-risk girls to help them improve selfdiscipline, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Read more about this Teen Challenge program.

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Spotlight: kidsPACK

When Randy Browning discovered hundreds of children in Polk County were excited to go to school each Monday morning not for the education, but for the food, he knew he was called to bridge the gap between Friday Lunch and Monday Breakfast, and as a result, kidsPACK was born. Learn how this organization serves over 1,000 children each week, ending hunger and providing hope—and how you can help!

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Business: Lakeland Moonwalk

Need help planning the perfect party? Look no further than Lakeland Moonwalk. This family owned and operated business has served Polk County since 2004 and specializes in birthday parties, school and church functions, fundraisers, business promotions, and more. From waterslides and bounce houses, to rockwalls and dunk tanks, Lakeland Moonwalk has everything you need to make your next event one to remember.

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Dining: Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy

If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, Abuelo’s, located in Lakeland’s Lakeside Village, is the place to go. From traditional Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas to unique house specialties including Chicken Zucchini and Stuffed Chicken Medallions, Abuelo’s boasts a 98 percent scratch kitchen serving only made-fresh-daily meals—never frozen.

See Also: Let’s Focus on Fishing - 19 Event Calendar - 22

onthecover Photography by Nate Mundell Photography

Aurora & Eleanor Mundell Kylie Roberts

You see them in Movies, T.V. Commercials and in Magazines!

Letter From The Publisher

If there is one thing that I truly love and enjoy about being a part of FOCUS Magazine, it is the ability to get involved in the community and to shed light on those who give back to others. This month, we celebrate Memorial Day and all of our nation’s heroes, both past and present. Sadly though, we are also in the wake of a horrible disaster in Oklahoma. As we leave May, and all of its “give and take,” we enter June paying special attention to several organizations that dedicate their very existence to helping those in need.

Our Feature this month is on Lakeland Grace Academy. This wonderful organization helps out young girls with depression, low self-esteem, and much more. In addition, our Spotlight article this month is on kidsPACK Polk Project.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Randy and Shawna of kidsPACK, who have turned an everyday backpack into a vessel of love, as they feed over 1,025 children a month. This program feeds kids that, without kidsPACK, would go hungry.

TIFFANY NAPOLI Lakeland Electric Company TV Commercial Principal Role.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

HAROLD HAASER Rock Musical Video Principal Role.

TAMARA WALTERS Lakeland Electric Company TV Commercial Principal Role.

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Let’s face it…This world is always full of the negative and ugly things that try to drag us down. I am a firm believer that all we can do is stay “focused” on the positive, and help the less fortunate whenever possible. I challenge you to go out of your way to help a stranger this month. It was Booker T. Washington that said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

Speaking of staying focused on the positive, school is out and summer is here! I hope that all of you enjoy the local activities that our community has to offer. There are certainly plenty of things to do, and I would love to see what everyone is up to. Email me a picture of yourself on your next family adventure, and I will choose one lucky entry to be featured in our next edition of FOCUS Magazine, right here next to the Publisher’s Letter!

DANE HAMMOND Publix Training Film Principal Role and Print Ad. $225.00 a Day.

PORTIA WESTERFIELD Appearing in National TV Show Glades Principal Role.

OMAR RUIZ Disney World National TV Commercial, Hard Rock Casino TV Commercial.

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Jess Anderson index pg JUN13.indd 1

5/8/2013 3:51:03 PM

Joey Roberts-Publisher Jroberts@thefocusmagazine.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus?

Contact us for more information.

Publisher Joey Roberts jroberts@thefocusmagazine.com

Roberts Publications 231 N. Kentucky Ave., Ste 210, Lakeland, FL 33801

Office Manager Jennifer Roberts

Office 863.602.8118 www.thefocusmagazine.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (863) 6028118 or e-mail jroberts@thefocusmagazine.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Editorial Director Amanda Deck adeck@floydpublications.com Sales DeDe Floyd | Jennifer Chamberlain Ricky Holvino Art Director Anthony Sassano FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren Distribution Tony DeVane Belva DeVane Photographers Nate Mundell Photography Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston Brian West | Joe Bowles | Amanda Deck Contributors Gil Gott | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis Natalie Sweet | Derek Maul | Candy Owens Wanda Anderson | Heather Davis

Mikayla Roberts ran her first 5K at the Color Me Rad, hosted at the Florida State Fair Grounds.

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local

Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition

Bringing Art to Winter HavenArticle andby Lakeland Sara Robillard

The Winter Haven winners (listed below) and their work can be seen at Central Park until January 2014: • Mike Baur, West Chicago, Ill., “Immigrant,” 1998, steel and concrete, 10’x12’ x30’.

• Jeff Brewer, Nacogdoches, Texas, “Tree,” 2011, steel and bronze, 72”x36”x36”.

• Mindy Colton, Orlando, Fla., “Renewal,” 2011, marine grade aluminum, 12’ tall.

• Robert Cordisco, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., “Mojo,” 2011, painted aluminum, 85”x39”x37”.

• PM Goulding, Farmington, Ga., “Paper Airplanes,” 2005, steel, 2’x5’x6’.

• C.R. Gray, Hiram, Maine, “c-ROCK-odile,” 2012, fieldstones and steel (stones epoxied together), 2’x5’x15’.

• Hanna Jubran, Grimesland, N.C., “Mountain landscape,” undated, steel and paint, 14’x8’x26” • Doug Makemson, Commerce, Ga., “MotoGazelle,” 2012, steel and chrome (motorcycle), 7’x2’x6’, 5”.

• Adam Walls, Laurinburg, N.C., “Faith,” 2012, painted steel, 10’x3’x3’.

• Ben Woitena, Houston, Texas, “Echo,” 2011, painted steel, 9.33’x18.6’x1.5’.

Students from local high schools were equipped to answer questions about each piece, giving a little background on the artists and their creations. Pictured here is a painted steel sculpture, “Faith,” by Adam Walls of Laurinburg, North Carolina.

Photo by Laura Amaral.

I

n an effort to continue to encourage the love of public art in our communities, the City of Winter Haven, in partnership with the Polk Museum of Art and greater Polk County community, hosted the 13th Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition on May 9th.

The event encouraged members of the community to view 10 newly installed sculptures within Central Park. These pieces were created by artists from all around the country who submitted their entries for selection.

“It works this way:” said Sandra Dimsdale Horan, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for the Polk Museum, “the Museum puts out a call for artists in the fall, and then works with representatives of the cities to jury the competition and select the 10 sculptures that will be selected in each city. After the artworks are installed, usually by mid-March, we invite a judge to choose the Best of Show, 2nd place and an honorable mention for each city’s exhibition.

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The judge this year was Kerry Oliver-Smith, who has served as curator of education at the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida.”

The City of Lakeland held their own competition and announced the winners during last month’s First Friday event. The sculptures are displayed along Lemon Street.

At the event, attendees were able to stroll around the park and interact with local student volunteers stationed at each sculpture. Teachers from area high schools, as well as library volunteers, were selected to take part in the event. The students were equipped to answer questions on their piece and give a little background on the artists and their creation. Stone tablets were also in place at each sculpture location, containing more information and embedded with a QR code for smart phone scanning. Other volunteers stood by with tablets at voting stations for visitors to vote on the piece to earn the “People’s Choice Award.”

This statue, “Mountain Landscape” by Hanna Jubran of Grimesland, NC will be on display in WInter Haven’s Central Park until January 2014. Photo by Laura Amaral.

Sewing Machines Modern Fabrics Notions Books Patterns Classes

www.inspirequiltingandsewing.com 101 N. Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563 813.704.4867

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

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Criminal Charges?

Call averbuCk! “MY SON’S PROBATION OFFICER SAYS HE IS GOING TO VIOLATE HIM BECAUSE HE IS BEHIND IN PAYMENTS—WHAT SHOULD HE DO?”

local

Lakeland Food Truck Rally

Draws In Crowds

Food and Fun Brings Locals Downtown Article by James Coulter

The short answer is: DO WHATEVER YOUR PROBATION OFFICER TELLS YOU!

I speak to many people in this quandary. They have worked hard, stayed out of trouble, but they’re still behind in payments to Probation—and their officer says he wants them to come into the office, so he can have them arrested for failing to pay.

They need to NOT panic, and report to their Officer on time. We can often successfully defend a probation violation for being behind in payments, or other minor issue, but it is MUCH harder to defend a probationer who fails to comply with his Officer’s instruction to appear at his office.

Probation violation allegations are very challenging, but we have successfully helped many people with them. Thorough research on the legal issues of the violation is very critical. If you have a question on a probation violation, or any other criminal charge, please call my office at 863-533-9000, and we will do our best to help you. I’ve been defending the Constitutional rights of citizens here in Polk County since 1998.

aFFordable Criminal deFense 863.533.9000 113 e main st ste 1 bartow Fl 33830 www.philipaverbuCk.Com 8

june 2013 focuspolkcounty.com

Robyn Wilson of the Poor Porker hands a customer a bag of fresh beignets, or fried dough fritters, which the truck serves along with chicory coffee.

Photo by James Coulter.

F

rom a brightly-colored van parked on the sidewalk at Munn Park wafts the spicy aroma of roasting vegetables, tantalizing nearby taste buds, and drawing in hungry customers.

to easily set up shop and sell their food, and as such, tend to be their main revenue generator. Of all the locations and events that Rollin’ Zoinks frequents, Lakeland is its favorite.

From its grill, the chef scoops up some greens and scallops, plops them onto a tortilla, douses them with sauce, and wraps them up before handing the wrap to a waiting customer.

“We have a bunch of foodies in Lakeland,” said owner Tammy Young. “They welcome us because it gives them more of a variety than what they are able to buy normally at the local establishments.”

The Tampa-based food truck, Rollin’ Zoinks, specializes in these organic wraps, which they call “hand-held eats for foodies.”

After making their purchases, customers enjoy their meals on benches, the fountain, sidewalks, or even while lounging on the grass, with some camping out with picnic blankets and lawn furniture. During the event, they can partake in other festivities such as bounce houses, rock-climbing walls, and live music, all the while enjoying Downtown Lakeland, which is the intention of the event.

This truck is one of nearly two dozen that appear around Munn Park during the monthly Lakeland Food Truck Rally.

The food trucks offer a diverse cornucopia, from traditional treats such as hamburgers and hot dogs, to unique selections such as bubble tea, rice balls, and chocolate-covered bacon. Events such as these allow the trucks

The monthly rally started last November as an initiative by the Downtown Lakeland

local

Becky’s Hotdogs vendor grills up hot dogs and sausages alongside other favorite treats such as funnel cakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade and orangeade.

Photo by James Coulter.

Partnership and YLakeland to attract locals, especially young people, downtown. The event started with 15 trucks and over 3,0003,500 people in attendance, and has since grown exponentially with more trucks and larger crowds each and every time.

local establishments experienced a higher influx of business, with impatient attendees often skipping the food truck lines for their businesses, Logan explained.

Whether rain or shine, the rally remains popular among locals. Logan notes how last “It very much exceeded our expectations,” month’s rally drew in huge crowds despite said Tiffany Logan, executive director of the a heavy downpour. Logan hopes that the Downtown Lakeland Partnership. rally’s popularity continues to grow and attract more locals to downtown Lakeland.

When the event was proposed, local restaurants were reluctant about it, fearing The rally is held on the second Thursday of the food trucks would steal their customers every month from 6-9 p.m. This month’s rally and set up permanently. However, once the will be held on June 13. For more information, rallies started, the exact opposite occurred: contact info@downtownlakeland.com.

Attendees sit on the fountain, benches, sidewalk, and even grass while enjoying the food and festivities at the rally. Photo by James Coulter.

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

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Health Connection A free service just for you!

Winter Haven Hospital’s Health Connection is your direct

connection to our many community services, classes, programs, special events and expert healthcare information.

At the Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection, you will find a friendly and accurate source for: • Physician Referrals • Health Information and Health Risk Assessments • Registration for programs, classes, health fairs and special events • Health care support groups • Winter Haven Hospital’s Speakers’ Bureau, which offers free medical speakers to non-profit and civic organizations

AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

To connect with our friendly and informative Health Connection staff, call (863) 291-6705 or (800) 416-6705 Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

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Lakeland Grace

Academy

By Cheryl Johnston

The The joy joy of of serving serving others others is is evidenced evidenced by by the the smiles smiles on on this this Teen Teen Challenge Challenge mission mission trip trip to to Honduras.

Honduras. Photo Photo Courtesy Courtesy of of Greg Greg Del Del Valle.

Valle.

T een G irls E x perience the J o y of T ransformation After one visit to Lakeland Grace Academy, visitors The Del Valles have worked with Teen Challenge are usually convinced that unconditional love, realistic academies for the past nine years, four here in Lakeland and the prior five in Jupiter, Florida. They boundaries and a gracious God can transform lives. retired from successful careers in law enforcement and They will also be impressed by the peaceful environment administration. Now they delight in witnessing the changed lives, countenances, and hope for the future and happy, smiling faces. young girls experience during their approximately In this non-profit, faith-based adolescent residential 15-month stay. program for 13-to-18 year-old girls, executive directors Greg and Essie Del Valle and their staff have established After his military service, Greg worked as a Broward a loving, relational and affordable care program to help County deputy sheriff. Being a preacher’s kid, he and students with life-controlling problems such as low self- Essie used their energy and spare time to serve a large church youth group. God’s next direction was to reach esteem, depression, at-risk behaviors and rebellion. out full-time to troubled girls.

The 501(c)3 charitable organization offers opportunities for local volunteers willing to be screened to serve “You can have the perfect house, raise all your children as well. “We can always benefit from the wisdom with the same love, principles and values and still have and experience of people in the community,” Greg one with a ‘taste’ or ‘appetite’ for things not ‘served’ explained. “For example, a Southeastern University or supported at home,” said Greg. “Our students are professor comes weekly now to mentor girls in math intelligent, gifted teens who have had their way, taken and science. And we’d love to have someone familiar advantage of kind parents, and taken for granted all with aquaponics teach about growing vegetables we that’s been sacrificed and provided. We’re talking can use in our meal preparations. Life skills lessons are about teens that are throwing away what God, in his sovereignty, has given them. We’re describing daughters especially meaningful.” who prefer finding favor among negative friends than family, and who have no concern for what their parents see, think, or feel.”

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“But,” he added, “this we know. In their deepest heart, they want to live productive and happy lives. They want to do and give and be appreciated.”

The School

The National Association of Christian Education (NACE) accredited and nationally recognized LGA provides a 24/7 live-in staff for its maximum enrollment of 32 girls. In addition to supervised study programs, students are individually counseled and have a weekly group session. Families attend weekend sessions that provide wise counsel for the new future they will eventually enjoy with their daughter.

LGA Principal Romeo Del Valle is a Southeastern University graduate who oversees the academy. Uniquely qualified teachers guide students, who advance their own education on individual computers, through the subject-specific distance learning courses of the awardwinning, Christian-based Ignatia curriculum.

Weekdays, class begins with an 8 a.m. Bible study and continues with academic courses until 2 p.m. Through five core subjects and a variety of electives, students encounter exciting multimedia learning tools, which

enhance the teacher’s ability to customize lessons for each hearts, so we like to see them develop their physical abilities as young woman’s needs. Because they move at their own pace, well as their minds.” many are able to either catch up or advance faster in their studies. By taking courses year-round, they can add interesting electives, strengthen study skills and even improve their GPA. Hurt, frustration, anger and fear are the typical parental Educational field trips are also part of the fun. emotions when struggling with a rebellious young person.

LGA teachers send home bi-weekly progress reports and Few things are as painful as helplessly watching a daughter’s are accessible to parents for consultation by phone, e-mail, potential slip away through self-destructive behavior. If you’ve web-portal and on family weekends. For future reference, the ever asked “why” and “how,” then you are at the right place. school maintains professional transcripts, progress reports, and There is HOPE.

TRANSFORMED LIVES

other records.

Upon completion of the program, students have transferred to other high schools, colleges and universities around the nation.

Graduation ceremonies, which include an elegant dinner for grads, families and invited guests, are a beautiful celebration of each girl’s successes.

What makes the Teen Challenge program one of the most successful of its kind, with a national success rate of 70% 86%, is its ability to increase students’ “Emotional Intelligence” four times greater than when they entered the home’s doors.

It’s a loving process.

Family weekends are a critical component, because without new understanding repeated patterns don’t bring different results. Through teaching sessions and teambuilding activities, members learn new strategies and strengthen their own relationship with Christ. In turn they can minister in love to their daughter.

In order to open students’ minds to a broader vision for their future, school also includes instruction in fine arts, sports, and cultural literacy. Jamaris Del Valle teaches music, dance, drama, art and poetry and in the process helps the girls discover their unique gifts and talents. The school competes annually in a national talent competition. In 2012, nine of the thirteen “Families partner with us in re-establishing some old competing at the state level advanced to nationals. boundaries and some critically important new ones,” said LGA athletes are competitors, too. Greg Del Valle dreams of Greg. “Essie and I love these weekends, because we’ve seen forming a girls’ rugby team in Lakeland because the Jupiter hope restored and heard some amazing testimonies of the help team has been so successful. “Sports promote teamwork and they’ve received.” boost self-esteem,” he explained. “These girls have champions’

At LGA, struggling girls discover their unique God-given abilities as they redirect their time, talent and energy into positive endeavors. In the process, their self-esteem and knowledge of who they are in Christ elevates. Self-destructive behaviors disappear and accountability and responsibility become second nature.

They beam when they experience the inevitable reward of doing the “right things for the right reasons.” More importantly, they uncover and learn to embrace the unbridled joy a purpose-filled life provides. The happy, purpose-driven girls with renewed and rejuvenated hearts step into their promise-filled future with restored families and relationships, set free by the Truth of God’s unconditional love, regardless of their actions. They are determined to follow the path He has planned and realize their dreams.

So, how can good people everywhere help?

LGA sincerely appreciates the support of the George Jenkins Foundation and nine area churches, but taxdeductible donations and willing volunteers will allow them to do more. To share, visit 6754 S. Carter Road, phone 863647-1944, go to LakelandGraceAcademy.com, or e-mail LakelandGraceAcademy@lakelandtci.com. The inspirational testimonies are worth your time online. At LGA, hope is only an inquiry away.

Please note: The LGA admissions criteria does not permit Medically Unstable, Physically Violent Histories, Sexual Abuse Perpetrators, Psychotic Disorders, or Parents who are unwilling to fully participate.

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By Amanda Deck

kidsPACK and the Community Provide Kid-Centric Weekend Meals to 1,025 Children 16

june 2013 focuspolkcounty.com

Hunger is something many of us don’t consider a problem in the United States, but rather a major issue only common in third world nations. Yes, social programs do exist in our country for people who have encountered difficult situations, those who have lost their jobs, made poor financial decisions, or find themselves without a home. But what we, as Americans, have failed to realize is that a large portion of our population barely scrapes by—and most of them are children. In fact, over 56,680 children are registered homeless in Florida, and 2,400 reside in Polk County.

“Today’s needs far surpass those of the Great Depression,” said Randy Browning, owner of Lakeland’s Browning Moving and Logistics. “This is the most economically challenging time for children ever. When some people think of a homeless person, they probably envision a scruffy, bearded beggar holding a handwritten sign at the traffic light. But, in reality, the average age of a homeless person in America is 9 years old. When you become aware of that statistic…wow.”

Homeless or not, children are still required to attend school. Yet hunger has a direct link to a child’s ability to perform academically. Undernourished children have impaired ability to concentrate, experience more behavioral and emotional problems, and are more likely to suffer from head and stomach aches, ear infections, and fatigue than the average child. And when Dee Dee Wright, Polk County School District’s Homeless Liaison, told Browning that children are excited to go to school on Monday not because they’re ready to learn, but because they’ll get something to eat, he knew he found a loophole in the system and had to act. Over 72 percent of Polk County elementary school students receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, but most are forced to fend for themselves on the weekends.

“I told Dee Dee I didn’t want to duplicate another program, but she said ‘Mr. Browning, you have no chance of duplicating because there’s no collaborative program for these kids on the weekends currently in Polk County.’”

What began as Browning feeding children located within his company’s zip code started to grow into a charity as businesses, organizations, and individuals jumped aboard the cause.

From partnering with Shawna Butler at the United Way, to 97 Country broadcasting PSAs, Browning’s call to help just a few kids in his community turned into kidsPACK, and he was soon feeding over 300 children.

What’s kidsPACK?

According to Browning, a kidsPACK bridges the gap between Friday afternoon and Monday morning by providing 1,025 elementary-age children with two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners for the weekend. Each individual item packaged in a kidsPACK food cell is kid-centric, can be eaten or prepared without adult supervision, eaten hot or cold, and in any environment—with or without electricity or running water as many children have no choice but to live in vehicles. Each food cell includes two 7.5 oz. bowls of Chef Boyardee pasta, toaster pastries, trail mix, granola bars, applesauce or fruit cups, raisins, and crackers.

A child can become part of the kidsPACK program in one of two ways: 1) being registered homeless with the Hearth program and 2.) being identified by school administrators as food insecure. Each child in the kidsPACK program then receives a regular backpack from their teacher filled with a food cell at the end of the school week.

even held their own food drives to help out the cause.

“Of course financial support is great, but that’s not always able to be done,” said Butler.

“Many folks feel like they want to be able to do more than just write a check, so we have specific items on our list people can collect…

For example, a woman from a 55+ community in Bartow, runs their local bingo game.

Every time someone brings in Chef Boyardee, he/she receives a free Bingo card in exchange.”

After learning about kidsPACK, one I.B. high school student decided to collect fruit cups as her senior project. According to Butler, fruit cups were something that kidsPACK really wanted to add to their food cells, but were too expensive. However, the student’s project spread throughout her school and even to Lake Gibson High School through help of a friend. All in all, over 2,000 packs of fruit cups were collected though one student’s mission.

kidsPACK by the Numbers

$26 2,400 48 52 $300 91% 250 1,025

Amount of their own money teachers spend on food each month to send home with food insecure children Approximate number of homeless children in Polk County Number of Polk County Schools kidsPACK serves Number of Weeks kidsPACK feeds children per year Amount it takes to feed one child for one year for 52 weekends through kidsPACK Amount of each dollar that goes directly to feeding kids through kidsPACK Number of volunteers that come together biweekly to pack food cells Number of kids being served though kidsPACK in Polk, Hardee, Osceola, and Hillsborough counties

“I’m just amazed at how Average age of a homeless the community has come person in the United States together,” said Butler.

“Everyone has something to offer—time, talents, and treasures. You’ve got a voice. That’s all we need. Talk to your friends, neighbors, family members, coworkers...tell them what’s going on in our community. If you have time to volunteer, work at an awareness table at an event to promote kidsPACK, you can volunteer at a packing site, you can volunteer in our warehouse, or assist with clerical in our office.”

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“Our program is designed to be safe for the kids, able to be administered by the child themselves, and delivered with dignity,” said now kidsPACK CEO and President Shawna Butler. “You don’t know what child is taking home a kidsPACK. They blend in. The teachers do it secretly. Our charity is designed as anonymous. We don’t know the children personally. We put the food safely in the hands of administrators who are already trained and qualified, working within a district’s already-established system to monitor the need.” Currently, kidsPACK serves children in 56 public elementary schools throughout Polk, Hardee, Osceola, and Hillsborough counties. But Browning and Butler believe their model And through kidsPACK, children don’t have to suffer through the summer months. In can be taken and duplicated in any community throughout the United States. However, fact, the organization will be partnering with Florida Department of Agriculture feeding what makes kidsPACK successful is a community of likeminded individuals who have a sites where children can get free breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. And just collected passion to improve their community. like school administrators, site managers will be identifying children who are considered food insecure on weekends, who will then get a kidsPACK. “kidsPACK doesn’t grow because we want to take on additional territories. kidsPACK grows because the community wants to help itself…and [kidsPACK] is the most effective model to help itself because its highly volunteer-based and highly transparent,” said Browning.

What makes kidsPACK stand out from other food programs not only is its ability to provide children nourishment on the weekends, but also its ability to run effectively Browning continued, “And if we ever start to get distracted from the cause, we simply as possible with the help of a passionate community. In fact, over 250 volunteers work need to ask ourselves one question, ‘are we feeding kids?’ Our one mission…just feed kids.” biweekly to pack and deliver kidsPACKS to local elementary schools. Vehicles, wrapping equipment, packaging supplies, office space, and food—virtually everything associated with the charity—has been donated by giving businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community, allowing 91 percent of every dollar to go directly to feed children. Some have

Vision for the Future

A Special Community

Kidspack.org 1-800-598-7871 info@kidsPACK.org FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

17

business » profile

Lakeland Moonwalk

Polk County Business Profile Profile by Camellia “Cammie” Fields

Guy III and Guy Jr. LaLonde opened Lakeland Moonwalk in 2005 starting with just one inflatable! Photo by Camellia “Cammie” Fields.

fulfillment out of seeing the “total awe of watching a child in their excitement when they see their inflatable or helps out and ‘flips the switch’ to see it blow up.” He recognizes and prides the business for being a part of a family’s lifetime memory. “We protect our brand by making sure [the job] is done right.”

Lakeland Moonwalk offers 75 inflatables to choose from to make your party or event one to remember. Courtesy of Lakeland Moonwalk Facebook

L

akeland Moonwalk, located in North Lakeland at 1200 Shadow Dr., is a family owned business that works hard…and plays hard. Guy LaLonde began the business in 2004, along with his son Guy III, with the desire to be his own businessman. “I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” said LaLonde. The name of the business was inspired by a “moon man” that Guy Jr. received from his uncle as a child.

Lakeland Moonwalk specializes in birthday parties, but they also provide services for special events such as school and church functions, fundraisers, company picnics, business promotions, and more. The business also participates in various events around Polk County such as the Pig Fest, Pancake Festival, Ice Cream Festival, kidsPACK Polk Project, and Relay for Life in which they are active directors for the North Lakeland division.

Recollecting Lakeland Moonwalk’s growth and progress, both father and son remembered when they began with just

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one inflatable bounce house: “We made it happen,” said LaLonde. “It was tough, but we did it.” Their inventory is now stocked with 75 inflatables, three rock walls, two dunk tanks, and so much more including laser and water tag, boxing robots, bungee trampolines, and inflatable movie and gaming screens. Tables, tents, and chairs are also available to rent for your party needs.

The company is a school board approved vendor and certified under the Jessica Lunsford Act for Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties. In addition, Lakeland Moonwalk has been awarded recognition as “The Best” in 2012 and 2013 from the Lakeland Award Program.

The future looks promising for this local business. The father and son duo is looking

to expand to an “onsite” location where they can display and host events. And Guy Jr. looks forward to, one day, having a mobile zip line!

information Lakeland Moonwalk 1200 Shadow Drive Lakeland, Florida 33810 863-286-5922 Website: www.lakelandmoonwalk.com Email: lakelandmoonwalk@aol.com Open 7 days a week

Lakeland Moonwalk also provides concessions like cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cone machines along with necessary supplies. Also consider renting Lakeland Moonwalk’s bubble machine, corn hole boards, helium tank, sound systems, or space heaters to make your party one to remember.

Guy III recalls when they used to book appointments by pen and paper. “We started with a little datebook planner, booking appointments,” said Guy III, “now we are running our business with computers.”

Since its inception, Lakeland Moonwalk’s mission and purpose is to simply give back to the community. Guy Jr., gets joy and

Lakeland Moonwalk offers 75 inflatables to choose from to make your party or event one to remember. Courtesy of Lakeland Moonwalk Facebook

extra » fishing flats so we decided to try our luck in one of the nearby artificial reefs.

Anchored up current, slightly ahead of the bottom structures on the reef, we chummed heavily trying to bring the reef into a feeding frenzy, but our targeted species (grouper and snapper) didn’t want to play at that time.

Joey and Alex sent down a variety of baits— shrimp, cut sardines, and greenbacks— without any success. A lonely white grunt decided to eat a shrimp out of a knocker rig, but that was it. It was time to regroup, pull up anchor, and try a different location.

We decided to try our luck drifting the flats near Port Manatee, but the drift produced less desirable species (catfish and jacks).

That’s when we made the decision to explore another spot in the vicinity with a good reputation on grouper and snapper, and to our surprise the ledge produced a large flounder out of Joey’s rod rigged with a cut sardine. Our reaction was of a total shock: (A) Normally you don’t see flounder on that type of bottom, and (B) on cut sardine, really? Flounders are notorious, at least in

Tampa Bay, to be holding on sand patches and for eating normally swim baits and shrimp. But the species was confirmed once again when Alex pulled out another flounder with a piece of cut sardine, this time with a ½ oz. DOA jig head at the end of his line.

Alex even got to pull out a couple more of these tasty fish validating the presence of the species in that particular spot.

With four large flounder already in the cooler, the trip came to an end. We cruised back to the boat ramp on a happy note. Our targeted species never showed up, but we felt grateful that the” fishing gods” rewarded us with such great weather and some delicious tasty meal for later that night.

For your next fishing experience in the Tampa Bay area, contact Capt. Eladio Picon at www.EpicFishingCharters.com. If you want see a short video of this fishing outing and for more info on the charters, please visit and like us on Facebook/Epic Fishing Charters. Thanks Joey Roberts and Alex Moreno for such a great day in the water.

Tampa Bay Police Officer Alex Moreno caught a huge flounder on live threadfin.

Let’s FOCUS on Fishing

L

Submitted by Captain Eladio Picon, Epic Fishing Charters

ast month, I had the opportunity to go fishing with Officer Alex Moreno of the Tampa Police Department and Joey Roberts of FOCUS Magazine.

It was a beautiful morning, clear skies and light breeze, when we departed from EG Simmons Park in Ruskin. Since we started the day on a high to outgoing tide,

we decided to take advantage of it and head down south first to fish the shallow south shore area (Bishop Harbor and Port Manatee). As soon as we got to the fishing grounds and began our drift into the flats, Joey landed a small flounder on a DOA Pearl Airhead, follow by a trout on the same set up. We drifted for a while without any more hits. The water was moving fast out of the

FOCUS Publisher Joey Roberts joined Epic Fishing Charters Captain Eladio Picon and Tampa Bay Police Officer Alex Moreno for a day of fishing.

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

19

D & E » dining profile

Abuelo’s Mexican

Food Embassy Polk County Dining Profile Profile by Amanda Deck

D

ean Andrews has extensive experience managing dining establishments; however, his time serving as general manager at Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy, located in Lakeland’s Lakeside Village, has been unlike any other. “Fresh is best,” said Andrews. “We are a 98 percent scratch kitchen, and I hope we never change.” At Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy, customers can be sure they’ll be tasting authentic Mexican flavors. In fact, the entire menu was created by native Mexican and Abuelo’s corporate chef, Luis Sanchez.

Abuelo’s boasts a large menu, featuring traditional items found in almost all Mexican restaurants—like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas—but they also serve unique house specialties, such as Andrews’ favorite, Chicken Zucchini—a lightly sautéed premium chicken breast with sliced zucchini, roasted red peppers, and corn in a delightfully spicy cream sauce. Stuffed Chicken Medallions (slices of lightly-fried chicken breast stuffed with chorizo, Poblano, and cheese) is also a popular choice among diners.

The Mexican restaurant is also great for a quick, yet filling lunch. Order the Fajitas Tacos from the lunch menu, and you’ll receive two wood-grilled marinated fajita steak or chicken tacos served on soft flour tortillas, and with sides of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, refried beans, and choice of Mexican rice or Abuelo’s signature Papas con Chile—a combination of whipped red potatoes, four cheeses, red and green peppers, sour cream, garlic, and jalapeno.

Start off your meal with complimentary tortilla chips and salsa trio. Or order a freshly-made appetizer. Choose from BaconWrapped Stuffed Shrimp, Jalapeno Cheese Fritters, Dip Sampler, and many more. Also relax at the bar with one of Abuelo’s specialty margaritas (Ladies…try the Sangria Swirl, a mixture of frozen margarita and frozen sangria).

Today, it seems like everyone is watching what they eat, whether for medical or personal reasons. Luckily, Lakeland’s Abuelo’s location is sensitive of this growing Dine in the impressive Mexican courtyard-themed atmosphere surrounded by beautiful flora, murals, and statues. Photo courtesy of Abuelo’s.

Start off your meal with three terrific dips: Queso Diablo, a rich, spicy combination of traditional Mexican cheese and chili; Chile con Queso; and Avocado Cream, a cool and soothing guacamole dip. Photo courtesy of Abuelo’s.

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trend, offering both gluten-free and vegetarian menu options to its customers.

You can call your corporate chef and you get a recipe in a few minutes. That’s amazing!”

“Since we are a 98 percent scratch kitchen, if you need something altered, if you need something special to your diet, we can probably do it,” said Andrews. “We have enough resources and knowledge to usually coordinate your meal with what you need.”

So escape to the beautifully decorated courtyard-themed dining room under the big blue sky and savor the exceptional madefresh-daily flavors that are Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy’s signature.

Abuelo’s also caters, and can serve almost any menu item at your next wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, business gathering, or gettogether. And if there’s something you want that’s not on the menu, Chef Luis will be sure to provide you with a dish you’ll love.

information

“Last year, I had a guy coming in for a Christmas party, and he wanted a steak appetizer,” said Andrews. “We don’t have one on the menu, so I called Chef and he emailed me over a recipe in 20 minutes using a couple ingredients we use every day. And it was delicious…that’s the beauty of Abuelo’s.

Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy 3700 Lakeside Village Blvd.

Lakeland, Florida 33803 863-686-7500 abuelos.com Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Happy Hour Daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

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2

events

can’t miss

3rd Annual FLORIDA STEP UP for TS Paint the Town Teal for Tourette Benefit Weekend

A weekend full of events has been planned to benefit the Tourette Syndrome Association on June 8-9. The benefit weekend will kick off on Saturday with a Walk/5K at Common Ground Park located at 1000 E. Edgewood Dr. in Lakeland. Check in begins at 8 a.m. with the Walk/5K starting at 9 a.m.

Joining the weekend event organizer, 12-year-old Kevin Ellis, at the Walk/5K will be American Idol Season 9 Contestant Dave Pittman. In addition, Pittman will also sing some songs from his album and share a testimony on Sunday morning at the Rock Community Church located at 210 Highland Park Blvd. in Lakeland.

Also on Sunday, a group baseball outing will take place at 1 p.m. at Joker Marchant Stadium as the Lakeland Flying Tigers take on the Tampa Yankees. Before the first pitch, Ellis will share on-field about TS, then Dave Pittman will sing the National Anthem.

Kevin Ellis (lower right) and his family—Mother, Michelle; Father, Kevin; and younger brother, Nicolas—invite the community to come out and support the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Ellis would like to give a huge shout out to Mr. Zach Burek of the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Publix, and several other community businesses and organizations for their support. For more information or to purchase baseball tickets, contact gods. philanthropist@yahoo.com. Also check out the FLORIDA STEP UP for TS Facebook page.

01

JUNE

saturday

Grand Opening Celebrate Birth | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1525 Edgewater Beach Dr., Lakeland Event features bouncy house, face painting, balloons, food, and more.

RSVP by calling 863-680-BABY or on Facebook!

07

friday

First Friday: “Taking it to the Streets” Downtown Lakeland | 6 to 9 p.m.

“Taking it to the Streets” is sponsored by the City of Lakeland with the event focusing on multi-modal transportation. From the Citrus Connection and mass transit to bicycles, you’ll be able to explore a variety of ways to get around Downtown and beyond.

Sponsored by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc. For more information, call 863-510-9723.

June Featured Artist Reception: Steven Felix-Jager The Loft Art Gallery | 6 to 9 p.m.

123 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland Exhibit features the work of artist Steven Felix-Jager.

Born in Germany, raised in Titusville, and residing in Winter Haven, Felix-Jager’s works explore the idea of humanity in relation to God. Reception will feature live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Felix-Jager is currently an adjunct professor of religion at Southeastern University,

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has a studio art degree from Florida Southern College, and is pursuing a doctorate in theological aesthetics from the University of Wales.

For more information on the loft, contact 863-409-5771.

13

thursday

15

saturday

Thursday Squared Food Truck Rally Munn Park | 6 to 9 p.m.

201 E. Main St., Lakeland Grab a bite to eat at one of your favorite food trucks.

Sponsored by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc. For more information, call 863-510-9723.

Live at the Gardens Concert Series Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales Dinner at Blue Palmetto Café | 5:45 p.m.

Doors open | 7 p.m.

Concert | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The Fort Green Pickin’ Society is a group of musicians playing an eclectic mix of favorites from the bluegrass, vintage country, acoustic roots, and folk genres. Group features Richard Ghent (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Danne Keene (mandolin, fiddle), Dale Chancey (guitar), Rick Meyers (bass fiddle), Bruce “Slade” Cohen (vocals, dobro, banjo, lap steel), and Jim Robertson (fiddle, mandolin).

Concert costs $20. Concert and dinner costs $40.

For more information call 863-676-1408.

7th Annual Florida Sunshine State Games

Polk County Festival

Join Florida’s longest-standing, multi-sport event, the Sunshine State Games, Florida’s OlympicStyle Sports Festival. The Polk County Festival will be held June 21-23 with competition in multiple sports: canoe/kayak, judo, racquetball table tennis, karate, raquetball, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Register for any event online at flasports.com. For General Festival Information, please call 866-FL-GAMES or email games@flasports.com.

Annual President’s Awards Dinner and Dance Bartow Civic Center | 8 to 11:30 p.m.

2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow Event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Polk County. Dinner takes place betweeen 8:45 and 9:45 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship information, please contact NPHC of Polk County President Mary Washington at 863-940-4238.

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sunday

America’s Boating Course Old Salt Marine | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1922 Hwy 98 N, Lakeland The Lakeland Sail and Power Squadron, Inc., a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, will teach “America’s Boating Course.” Cost is $35 and includes materials.

Those who successfully complete the class will receive their Florida Boater ID Card required for boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988. Graduates may also quality for a discount on boat insurance. Seating is limited and preregistration is required by June 10.

To preregister or for more information call 863-667-9047 or visit lakelandsailandpower.info.

Remaining classes for 2013 are September 22 and November 2.

Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale Sponsored by the Lakeland Miniature Guild Hilton Garden Inn | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3839 Don Emerson Dr., Lakeland Located at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport This is the premier summer miniatures show in Florida with dealers and miniatures enthusiasts from all over the Southeast. There will be a shopping table just for children and many miniature exhibits for children of all ages. Show also includes a drawing for a miniature shop created by Guild members with proceeds benefitting the Troxel Shelter for Women in Children at Lighthouse Ministries.

The show is open to the public and admission is $6 for adults, $1 for children. Parking is free.

For more information, contact Carol Kira at kirafl@msn. com or 863-646-1354.

25

tuesday

Polk County All Sports Awards The Lakeland Center | 6:15 p.m.

701 W. Lime St., Lakeland Annual event celebrates excellence in Polk County sports and recognizes Polk County athletes, coaches, and administrators—both past and present—in an evening dedicated to showcasing the year’s top sports performers and teams. The evening will also feature the induction of five new members of the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. Cost is $35.

For more information or to purchase tickets to Polk County’s biggest night of sports, contact Polk County Sports Marketing at 863-551-4750.

FOCUS Magazine polk county june 2013

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Grads and Dads Over 300 gifts for that Special Day under $50 Sun Glasses

Bills Khakis Many

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Necklaces Available

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from our collection is interchangable.

Typically 50 or more Designs are available.

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336 Magnolia Ave. • NW Winter Haven, Florida (863) 299-9999 • andythornal.com • Mon-Sat • 10am - 6pm